Each week when I post this column the reactions range from ambivalence to anger. I actually prefer anger or disagreement. I don’t like cheap potshots. Those are too easy. There is way too much of that on social media. It usually means the respondents don’t have anything substantive to say. I don’t expect everyone to like what I write. Sometimes, even I don’t like what I write.
We have become a community/state/nation divided. It has become the norm to believe that if we don’t agree, then we are enemies. It doesn’t have to be that way. Dialogue and discussion will be our way of coming back together. The insurrection of January 6 should be a lesson that there is a better way.
Last week, I was accused of “political baiting.” Not quite sure what that means, but I’ll try to keep it up if it’ll keep us talking. I’ll have to restrict where I post my column, so as not to irritate the highly irritable moderators. They tell me I am now at “Strike 2.” I used that on my children for years. It didn’t work very well then, either.
Stay in touch and let’s be civil.
What a Trio for Governor
With last week’s announcement of her gubernatorial candidacy by Sarah Huckabee Sanders, we have the strangest trio of candidates in some time running for the state’s highest office. Also in the mix is Attorney General Leslie Rutledge and Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin. The comatose Democratic Party hasn’t fielded a candidate. They haven’t in some time for any significant state office.
Now we will have to endure two years of campaigning by three announced candidates who have already raised over a million bucks each. Sanders and Rutledge obviously will try to pull from the Trump support base, while neither is qualified to hold the office.
Griffin is the most qualified, having served as lieutenant governor for the last few years. But I’m not sure he has the personality to win the office. So far, he has boldly proclaimed that we should get rid of the state income tax — with no real plan to replace the revenue. That’s called grandstanding. (See Rep. Mark Lowery).
We can only hope that other candidates will come forward, particularly state Sen. Jim Hendren. He is a Republican and is one of the more reasonable centrists in the legislature. I fear he will back away from the upcoming poop fest on the horizon. I don’t blame him.
TV Thinks You’re Stupid
I watch a lot of television so naturally I see a lot of commercials, and many of them depress me. I label them Covid commercials. They feature a sentimental soundtrack or a sad undertone of how we are all helping each other get through this nightmare. I’m not sure how these ads are supposed to make me want to buy a product, but the ad agencies keep pumping them out.
Insurance Ain’t Funny
What has happened to insurance commercials, primarily those touting home and auto insurance? For a product that is pretty expensive to most of us, why are the ads attempting to be so funny? Surely, we all get the concept of bundling by now.
Car Dealer Commercials Featuring Big White Men
It astounds me that most local car dealer commercials feature a burly good-ole-boy. I guess they are supposed to be my buddy when I go to buy my car or truck. They all have “the best deal” and for some reason claim they are able to give me a huge discount. Just give me your best price, diversify your commercials — and get off my TV.
Don’t Forget the Q
The McClard's Bar-B-Q truck from Hot Springs is coming to town this week. Don’t miss your chance to get some really good Q. They will be parked at Fuller & Son, 9728 Maumelle Boulevard., now through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. or when they sell out.
The full tamale spreads from McClard’s.
Stay safe. Wear your mask or masks. Keep your distance and get your shot when you can.
Huckabee will be next Governor. Lets be honest. No way she loses. Its Arkansas and she has a big support base here.. Can't believe Leslie Rutledge wiil probably drop out?? We shall see. 100% agree on tv ads.. I love Flo..Jameys ok too.. Lemu Emu not so much.. Take the Dave Ward exit for good ol boy prices.. or if you wanna flat get over on a car dealer. Or pet a wet squirrel. . (Whatever that even means) Thanks for the Heads up on McLards.. great info!..
I especially enjoyed your take on the need for us to start talking to one another and even if there is disagreement, it doesn't mean we are enemies or we must be hostile to one another. Also, your take on the governor's race is right on. I believe the Demozette had it right when they said most southerners who voted for Joe Biden voted for him because his main positive was that he was NOT Donald J Trump. In my book, that may be one reason Tim Griffin has a small chance at beating the other two. Thanks again for your take.
You say it how it is refreshing this time around what we all our going thru. You mentioned some that are running for office in the future, I want to mention French Hill. The only reason I voted for him was he is against Pharmacies being located overseas....that being said my pills come from India before that China. Also the Off Shore Call Centers, being brought back to the USA long over due. As of late I have not heard anything more. Sonic to me has the worst commercials. Real Trashy. I recieved my shot yesterday and so very glad, painless. Looking forward to travel again. Take care and stay safe. JB
You say you don't like cheap potshots, but if you look at your own writing, you take them yourself frequently.
I guess it depends on how you define "cheap." I am sure the Arkansas Newsroom would welcome a guest column from you.
Huckabee will be next Governor. Lets be honest. No way she loses. Its Arkansas and she has a big support base here.. Can't believe Leslie Rutledge wiil probably drop out?? We shall see. 100% agree on tv ads.. I love Flo..Jameys ok too.. Lemu Emu not so much.. Take the Dave Ward exit for good ol boy prices.. or if you wanna flat get over on a car dealer. Or pet a wet squirrel. . (Whatever that even means) Thanks for the Heads up on McLards.. great info!..
Meant to say ..Cant believe Rutledge is running. My hunch is she drops out.
I especially enjoyed your take on the need for us to start talking to one another and even if there is disagreement, it doesn't mean we are enemies or we must be hostile to one another. Also, your take on the governor's race is right on. I believe the Demozette had it right when they said most southerners who voted for Joe Biden voted for him because his main positive was that he was NOT Donald J Trump. In my book, that may be one reason Tim Griffin has a small chance at beating the other two. Thanks again for your take.
Thanks for reading.
You say it how it is refreshing this time around what we all our going thru. You mentioned some that are running for office in the future, I want to mention French Hill. The only reason I voted for him was he is against Pharmacies being located overseas....that being said my pills come from India before that China. Also the Off Shore Call Centers, being brought back to the USA long over due. As of late I have not heard anything more. Sonic to me has the worst commercials. Real Trashy. I recieved my shot yesterday and so very glad, painless. Looking forward to travel again. Take care and stay safe. JB
Thanks, Jan.